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Higher ed briefs

Higher ed briefs

STATE UNIVERSITIES

WMU gets final OK to offer classes in Punta Gorda, Tampa

The Higher Learning Commission has approved Western Michigan University's request to offer programs at two locations in Florida. The HLC is the accrediting organization for degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in a 19-state region. With the HLC's approval, WMU will be able to move forward with its plans to launch aviation flight science and aviation management and operations programs, each leading to a bachelor's degree, beginning with the 2017 fall semester.

Wayne State receives $3.8M grant for PTSD research

A team of researchers from Wayne State University has been awarded a five-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. The grant aims to investigate the cannabinoid system as a potential pharmacological target for improving PTSD by shortening treatment while strengthening and prolonging positive results.

PEER INSTITUTIONS

University of Minnesota 'super sponge' promises toxic cleanup

At the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Sciences, a team of researchers created a sponge that can absorb mercury from polluted water within five seconds, cutting contamination to below detectable limits. This product could result in 130,000 fewer asthma attacks, 4,700 fewer heart attacks, 11,000 fewer premature deaths and up to $90 billion in benefits each year.

Mellon grant to fund humanities collaborations at Brown

With a new $1.3 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Brown University will launch a pilot program to promote collaborative research and scholarship in the humanities. The grant will enable Brown to strengthen the role of the humanities on campus through course development, a new model for graduate study and enhanced professional development for doctoral candidates.

UMD develops model to prevent E. coli outbreaks

In order to understand the pathway of E. coli in leafy green production, University of Maryland researchers developed the first dynamic system model which simulates the effects of soil, irrigation, cattle and rainfall in a hypothetical farm. Preventing leafy green outbreaks could result in 1,600 fewer illnesses and 450 fewer hospitalizations amongst consumers each year.